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Governor Brian Sandoval today announced he has appointed Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison to serve as Chairman of the Governor’s Committee on Energy Choice. The Governor announced the body’s creation during his biennial State of the State address in January.

On November 8, 2016, the voters of Nevada approved Ballot Question 3: The Energy Choice Initiative, which would amend the Nevada Constitution if voters approve the Initiative again in the 2018 general election. Nevada voters supported a State policy that “electricity markets be open and competitive so that all electricity customers are afforded meaningful choice among different providers, and that economic and regulatory burdens be minimized in order to promote competition and choices in the electric energy market.”

“Stability in our energy market is crucial for all Nevadans. A second passage of this Initiative will change the way Nevadans consume energy from flipping on hallway lights and ensuring power in our hospitals to illuminating the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip,” said Governor Brian Sandoval. “By bringing together these stakeholders, we can properly prepare for what could be a major utility transformation. The Lieutenant Governor is the right person to navigate this complex discussion and I am confident in his ability to bring forward the best recommendations to secure the promise and potential of the Silver State’s energy future.”

“I am honored to be appointed Chairman of the Governor’s Committee on Energy Choice. Educating Nevadans about the issues and mechanisms surrounding the deregulation of Nevada’s energy markets is of paramount importance,” said Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison. “I look forward to working with the committee to develop a meaningful and comprehensive framework to share with Nevadans before the ballot initiative returns for the voters consideration in 2018.”

During his State of the State address, Governor Sandoval stated, “With the overwhelming passage of Question 3 last year, it is likely Nevadans will have energy choice in the future. Therefore, I will create by Executive Order, the Governor’s Committee on Energy Choice. This Committee will help prepare us for the complicated changes that lay ahead if Nevadans approve energy choice. It will include members of the Legislature, major customers, organized labor, renewable energy experts, senior citizens representatives, and others. I will ask that they prepare a transition plan enabling us to enter the new markets by 2023.”

A copy of the Executive Order is attached. The full Committee will be announced in the near future.